SpaCf¡ Structures 1 (1985) 79-91

Expandable Space Structures

Felix Escrig
Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Sevilla, Ada. Reina Mercedes s/n, Sevilla 41012, Spain
(Received: 11 October, 1984)
Abstract: Expandable space structures are of great value in situations where
primary functional requirements inelude transportability and ease of erection. A
family of expandable space structures are described in the present paper, where
their practical applications and constructional aspects as well as their geometric and
statical analyses are discussed.

1. Introduction

Let us begin by considering aplane assembly,

composed of crosses (Fig. 1). This assembly is
defonnable by pushing or pulling from the ends, while
its shape changes by increasing the height when the
length decreases and vice versa (Fig. 2).
In technical literature this is called a mechanism,
with its use as a structure being restricted, because of
its mobility which makes it unable to carry loads. But Fig.3.
let us suppose that, by means of an additional bar or
supports we fix the height H or the length L (Figs 3 and
4). Then this assembly would be able to resist loads.

~~ --..:L=-- ~
Fig.4.
Fig.l.

2. Generation of basic structures

1. Let us now consider an aggregate of two

assemblies, as shown above, placed perpen-
H'
dicular to one another (Fig. 5). Ifwe deform one
of them the other will take the same defonnation
and it suffices to change the height H to expand
or contract the couple,
By making use of this property, let us carry on
Fig.2. to build an aggregate with a number of these
79

Space Structures 0266-3511/85/$03·30 © Elsevier Applied Science Publishers Ud, England, 1985. Printed in Northem Ireland
Expandable space structures 81

~ ..... ~""L-\ __ .JH

Fig.l0. YJg.12.

Fig.13.

Fig.ll.

By joining elements in this way we obtain

structures such as those shown in Figs 11, 12 and
13 at three degrees of expansiono
3. By combining basic elements obliquely 4 x 4, as
represented in Fig. 14, and increasing the com-
plexity of this configuration, we can create
structures such as those shown in Figs 15-17 in
three different states.
4. By combining basic elements oblíquely 3 x 3 as
shown in Fig. 18, we may obtain expandable
structures such as shown in Fígs 19-21. Fig.14.
Expandable space structures 83

Hg. 21.

Hg. 22.

Fig.19.

Hg. 23.

Fig.24.

Fig.20. Fig.25.
Expandable space structures 85

Fig.35.

(d) Systems with more than one level of crosses

may be used with the same modifications as
discussed aboye (Figs 32-35).
Restrictions to be imposed are difficult to
generalize io more irregular cases.

4. Practical applications
.--·.·.·--.--- .. -0·---·-···----·····.
Possibilities of design from pattems described above
are enormous and sorne cases are presented as Fig.37.
examples.
Figure 36 shows a hexagonal expaodable umbrella
with triangular modulation and supported on a central
masto
Figure 37 shows a cylindrical barrel vault with
rectangular modulation and supported 00 two sides.
Figure 38 shows an arch with triangular m~ulatioo
with hioges at two eods.
Figure 39 shows a spherical dome with quadrilateral
modulation supported at four comers.
Figure 40 shows a perfect hemispherical dome
made with bars oí the same leogth.

Flg.38.

Flg.36. Fig.39.
Expandable space structures
Fig.41.
Figure 41 shows a quadrilateral expandable
umbrella supported on a central mast with inwards
slope for drainage.
5. Architectonical aspects
To be useful in architectonical applications, these
structures may be presented in their own right, to
create movable structural systems for various uses
induding creation of enclosures.
In many cases there will be a need for a surface cover
to protect spaces from rain, sun or wind, incor-
Fig.42.
87
porating a textile fabric tied at upper or lower nodes,
and this will be expanded and folded with the structure
to give a tense and continuous surface. This cover will
be used to give rigidity to the frame and to add to the
strength of the whole structure.
This cover may be repeated, one on the top joints
and the other under the bottom joints, to achieve a
thermal insulation layer and to improve functional
comfort (Fig. 42).
The fabric cover may be arranged with auxiliary
devices to force the folding as shown in Fig. 43, in
which strings of length m induce the surface to fold
inwards (Fig. 44).
~lm
Fig.43.
1 m
FIg.44.
6. Constructional aspects
As in conventional space structures, design of joints is
the basis of the whole designo
Figs 45-54 show sorne particular solutions used in
reduced scale models and architectonical designs,
while Figs 55-61 define sorne connections between
struts and joint elements.
Another major problem relates to folding and
expanding mechanical devices. Figures 62~ show
three different solutions.
In Fig. 62 an electric motor forces, by means of a
screw, the movement of the opposite joints during
expansion or folding.
In Fig. 63 a hydraulic system separates the opposite
joints whilst gravity helps the reverse process.
In Fig. 64 a rope connecting distant joints by means
of a tensor engine forces the folding whilst gravity
helps the expansiono
 °19°llu 00lJ03w

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68
sa.mPnJJs a;J1Jds a¡qvpuvdx'3
Expandable space structures 91

Fig.66.
Fig.68.

Figure 67 shows shear force diagrams with

QI = P¡sina Q2 = (PI + P2 )sina

Q3 = (PI + P 2 + P3 )sina

Figure 68 shows axial force diagrams with

NI = PIcosa N 2 = (PI + P 2 + P 3 )cosa

Fig.67.
N3 = (PI + P 2 + P3)cosa

Torsional rigidity may be of great importance

Figure 66 shows bending moment diagrams with particularly in non-syrnmetrical structures.
When strength of the fabric cover is to be taken into
MI = Pln M 2 = (PI + P 2)n M 3 = (PI + P2 + P 3)n account, analysis becomes more complicated.